The last information we’ve heard about the Android 2.3 Gingerbread update for the HTC Desire was that it will be rolling-out by the end of July. It’s the first day of August and HTC has released the update, with a twist though.

We knew HTC was planning to drop some applications in order to face the limited storage on the phone and so they did. The HTC Desire Gingerbread ROM has been published but “is only recommended for expert users who want to experience Android 2.3 and understand the limitations which apply to this update to the HTC Desire”. The information comes from HTC’s Facebook page where the manufacturer gives some details.

The Taiwanese phone maker decided to remove all customizations (including operator applications), all wallpapers (except the default wallpaper (but placed online on the HTC Developer website), several HTC applications (but placed online on the HTC Developer website) and the official Facebook application (though downloadable on the Android Market).

Those that want to dive in can grab the ROM from HTC’s developer website but there are several risks: “this Rom update is for development only and not for general public use. Upgrades to non-authorized phones may result in loss of functionality. In addition certain functions may no longer be usable after re-flashing the ROM, including but not limited to MMS and SMS and HTC also disclaims liability for any unusable functions. HTC disclaims liability for the loss and/or leakage of any personal data resulting from the re-flashing of the ROM”.

So there you have it, the Gingerbread update for the HTC Desire. HTC kept its word and delivered it, though not for the general public. There’s no info on whether there will be an official one for the public but advanced users can try it out. Let us know of your thoughts on how HTC handled this! Do they rely on custom ROMs from the community? Will there be a public release?

Update: According to Mark Moons (Regional Director of HTC Benelux), there will be no over-the-air update for the HTC Desire, as our reader preston points it out in the comments below. HTC seems to be in a dilemma: keeping its word on one side and offering a Gingerbread update and not offering it publicly on a large scale because it doesn’t want to break the experience. Will things change?